I recently took part in a Health Awareness Program held in Mangammapet, Arakonnam. Organised by Boanerges Welfare Trust, it was a first-timer for myself and my two friends. We invited a pastor and a nurse to come along with us. There started our 3 hour journey from Velachery to Park followed by Central to Arakonnam. It was indeed tedious but we were excited and looking forward to the program.
We reached Arakonnam by around 10:30 hrs, took a share auto and directly went to the church. I liked the village. There were a good number of people at the periphery but as we ventured into the village the count dwindled - it showed. We did not see more than 4 or 5 men; obviously they had gone to work. Groups of women sat under huge trees gossiping, with children goofing around. Most of them lived in huts amidst a sparse sprinkling of solid brick buildings.We reached the church - it was small, cosy and neat. Empty plots all around, a cemetery some 100m away, fresh green trees, cows grazing nearby and rocks heaped at random to lay the road - it was every bit the rural scene.
A women crowd of around 20 assembled in the church and we started the program. It was basic and simple. One of my friends educated them about daily hygiene and fielded questions. We came to know that there was a bout of viral fever around and women expected some medical relief. Our nurse was very helpful and she patiently checked those who were ill and prescribed medicines. Alongside, women who had woes poured them out to the pastor who ever so soothingly prayed for them, giving them advice. I was happy to see an old man (the only man!) with a crop of silver hair come in for a checkup. I was a bit gutted because we expected to spread awareness of chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol and smoking cigars to men and we just had one old man that day. Nevertheless, it was fruitful. We visited two families and prayed for them.
There was a train to catch and we bid the villagers adieu. Promising to visit them again, we left Arakkonam with warm hearts.
We made good friends; young and old. It was enlightening for all of us. Having experienced the innocence of villagers and their living conditions, I honestly wish that every human reaches out to the under-privileged and offers them intellectual support.
We reached Arakonnam by around 10:30 hrs, took a share auto and directly went to the church. I liked the village. There were a good number of people at the periphery but as we ventured into the village the count dwindled - it showed. We did not see more than 4 or 5 men; obviously they had gone to work. Groups of women sat under huge trees gossiping, with children goofing around. Most of them lived in huts amidst a sparse sprinkling of solid brick buildings.We reached the church - it was small, cosy and neat. Empty plots all around, a cemetery some 100m away, fresh green trees, cows grazing nearby and rocks heaped at random to lay the road - it was every bit the rural scene.
A women crowd of around 20 assembled in the church and we started the program. It was basic and simple. One of my friends educated them about daily hygiene and fielded questions. We came to know that there was a bout of viral fever around and women expected some medical relief. Our nurse was very helpful and she patiently checked those who were ill and prescribed medicines. Alongside, women who had woes poured them out to the pastor who ever so soothingly prayed for them, giving them advice. I was happy to see an old man (the only man!) with a crop of silver hair come in for a checkup. I was a bit gutted because we expected to spread awareness of chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol and smoking cigars to men and we just had one old man that day. Nevertheless, it was fruitful. We visited two families and prayed for them.
There was a train to catch and we bid the villagers adieu. Promising to visit them again, we left Arakkonam with warm hearts.
We made good friends; young and old. It was enlightening for all of us. Having experienced the innocence of villagers and their living conditions, I honestly wish that every human reaches out to the under-privileged and offers them intellectual support.
No comments:
Post a Comment